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Cervello M, Augello G, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Cusimano A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. The potential of the nutraceutical berberine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 92:101032. [PMID: 38693042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer which unfortunately has poor outcomes. Common anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy have not increased patient survival significantly. A common treatment for HCC patients is transplantation, however, it has limitations and complications. Novel approaches are necessary to more effectively treat HCC patients. Berberine (BBR) is a nutraceutical derived from various fruits and trees, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. More recently, the anti-proliferation effects of BBR have been investigated in the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we will focus on studies with BBR in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Davoodvandi A, Sadeghi S, Alavi SMA, Alavi SS, Jafari A, Khan H, Aschner M, Mirzaei H, Sharifi M, Asemi Z. The therapeutic effects of berberine for gastrointestinal cancers. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2024; 20:152-167. [PMID: 36915942 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious human health issues. Drug therapy is the major common way to treat cancer. There is a growing interest in using natural compounds to overcome drug resistance, adverse reactions, and target specificity of certain types of drugs that may affect several targets with fewer side effects and be beneficial against various types of cancer. In this regard, the use of herbal medicines alone or in combination with the main anticancer drugs is commonly available. Berberine (BBR), a nature-driven phytochemical component, is a well-known nutraceutical due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic. In addition, BBR exerts anticancer activities. In present article, we summarized the information available on the therapeutic effects of BBR and its mechanisms on five types of the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Davoodvandi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Sadeghi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Seyedeh Shaghayegh Alavi
- Departmemt of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mehran Sharifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Alqurashi YE, Al-Hetty HRAK, Ramaiah P, Fazaa AH, Jalil AT, Alsaikhan F, Gupta J, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Tayyib NA, Peng H. Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115683. [PMID: 36933639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser E Alqurashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Pin Code 281406, U. P., India
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Colombia; Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Ecuador
| | - Nahla A Tayyib
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al- Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hu Peng
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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4
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Effects of Berberine on Liver Cancer. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is a chronic disease condition with an excessive deposition and growth of malignant cells in the body. The high incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer continue to be problems, as well as its poor prognosis and therapeutic limitations involving severe drug adverse reactions linked to the use of synthetic chemotherapeutic compounds. Continuous experimental studies, as well as utilization of pure herbal-based compounds, are essential towards finding more potent cures for liver cancer. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids (eg, berberine), have been shown to be highly beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is obtained from stem, bark, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of several medicinal plants, including Berberis species. It is commonly synthesized from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline system with the incorporation of an additional carbon atom as a bridge. The multiple attributes of BBR involving effective inhibitory and cytotoxic actions against the proliferation of cancer cells have been demonstrated. The use of BBR in experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) for over a decade for liver cancer treatment has proven to be highly effective, safe, and potent. Until now, the poor solubility of BBR remains one of the contributing factors leading to its minimal clinical bioavailability. Therefore, BBR could serve as a prospective drug candidate in the future towards drug formulation for liver cancer treatment. The relevant information regarding this review was obtained electronically through the use of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Hindawi, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All the aforementioned databases were searched from 1981 to 2020. This literature represents an update of previous review papers discussing the various positive pharmacological and mechanistic effects (oxidative stress regulation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis activation, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis inhibition) of BBR for liver cancer treatment, which would be of great significance to drug development and clinical research.
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Zhu Y, Xie N, Chai Y, Nie Y, Liu K, Liu Y, Yang Y, Su J, Zhang C. Apoptosis Induction, a Sharp Edge of Berberine to Exert Anti-Cancer Effects, Focus on Breast, Lung, and Liver Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:803717. [PMID: 35153781 PMCID: PMC8830521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.803717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death and one of the greatest barriers to increased life expectancy worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy with synthetic drugs remains one of the predominant ways for cancer treatment, which may lead to drug resistance and normal organ damage. Increasing researches have suggested that apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is a promising way for cancer therapy. Furthermore, natural products are important sources for finding new drugs with high availability, low cost and low toxicity. As a well-known isoquinoline alkaloid, accumulating evidence has revealed that berberine (BBR) exerts potential pro-apoptotic effects on multiple cancers, including breast, lung, liver, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. The related potential signal pathways are AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase B pathways. In this review, we provide a timely and comprehensive summary of the detailed molecular mechanisms of BBR in treating three types of cancer (breast, lung and liver cancer) by inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we also discuss the existing challenges and strategies to improve BBR’s bioavailability. Hopefully, this review provides valuable information for the comprehension of BBR in treating three types of cancer and highlight the pro-apoptotic effects of BBR, which would be beneficial for the further development of this natural compound as an effective clinical drug for treating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yisen Nie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinsong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Rauf A, Abu-Izneid T, Khalil AA, Imran M, Shah ZA, Emran TB, Mitra S, Khan Z, Alhumaydhi FA, Aljohani ASM, Khan I, Rahman MM, Jeandet P, Gondal TA. Berberine as a Potential Anticancer Agent: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237368. [PMID: 34885950 PMCID: PMC8658774 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), a potential bioactive agent, has remarkable health benefits. A substantial amount of research has been conducted to date to establish the anticancer potential of BBR. The present review consolidates salient information concerning the promising anticancer activity of this compound. The therapeutic efficacy of BBR has been reported in several studies regarding colon, breast, pancreatic, liver, oral, bone, cutaneous, prostate, intestine, and thyroid cancers. BBR prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy. BBR also hinders tumor cell invasion and metastasis by down-regulating metastasis-related proteins. Moreover, BBR is also beneficial in the early stages of cancer development by lowering epithelial–mesenchymal transition protein expression. Despite its significance as a potentially promising drug candidate, there are currently no pure berberine preparations approved to treat specific ailments. Hence, this review highlights our current comprehensive knowledge of sources, extraction methods, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of berberine, as well as the proposed mechanisms of action associated with its anticancer potential. The information presented here will help provide a baseline for researchers, scientists, and drug developers regarding the use of berberine as a promising candidate in treating different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (A.A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (A.A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Zafar Ali Shah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Pakistan;
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh;
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Zidan Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong 4318, Bangladesh;
| | - Fahad A. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah S. M. Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ishaq Khan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 25100, Pakistan;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, USC INRAe 1488, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, P.O. Box 1039, CEDEX 2, 51687 Reims, France
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
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Wang S, Lee DYW, Shang Y, Liao J, Cao X, Xie L, Zhang T, Liu J, Dai R. The bioactive alkaloids identified from Cortex Phellodendri ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia via LOX-5/COX-2 pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 93:153813. [PMID: 34735909 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bioactive alkaloids identified from Cortex Phellodendri (CP) were highly effective in treating rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Specifically, lipoxygenase-5 (LOX-5) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were identified as two primary targets for alleviating inflammation in BPH rats. However, it remains unknown whether the alkaloid components in CP can interact with the two target proteins. PURPOSE To further identify bioactive alkaloids targeting LOX/COX pathways. METHODS An affinity-ultrafiltration mass spectrometry approach was employed to screen dual-target LOX-5/COX-2 ligands from alkaloid extract. The structures of bioactive alkaloids were characterized by high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of bioactive alkaloids, the expression levels of LOX-5 and COX-2 in BPH model rats were investigated at both protein and mRNA levels. The LOX-5/COX-2 enzymes activity experiments and molecular docking analysis were performed to fully evaluate the interactions between bioactive alkaloids and LOX-5/COX-2. RESULTS After comprehensive analysis, the results showed that bioactive alkaloids could suppress the expression of LOX-5 and COX-2 simultaneously to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the progression of BPH. In addition, the screened protoberberine, demethyleneberberine was found to exhibit prominent inhibitory activities against both LOX-5 and COX-2 enzymes, palmatine and berberine with moderate inhibitory activities. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that demethyleneberberine could interact well with LOX-5/COX-2. CONCLUSION This study is the first to explore the inhibitory effects of bioactive alkaloids from CP on LOX-5 and COX-2 activities in BPH rats. Our findings demonstrate that the bioactive alkaloids from CP can ameliorate BPH via dual LOX-5/COX-2 pathways, which serves as an efficient approach for the discovery of novel drug leads from natural products with reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - David Yue-Wei Lee
- Mailman Research Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ying Shang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jun Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xiaotong Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Linlin Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Mailman Research Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Ronghua Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
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Zheng X, Zhao Y, Jia Y, Shao D, Zhang F, Sun M, Dawulieti J, Hu H, Cui L, Pan Y, Yang C, Sun W, Zhang S, He K, Li J, Du J, Zhang M, Chen L. Biomimetic co-assembled nanodrug of doxorubicin and berberine suppresses chemotherapy-exacerbated breast cancer metastasis. Biomaterials 2021; 271:120716. [PMID: 33621894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is a major approach for treating breast cancer patients. Paradoxically, it can also induce cancer progression. Understanding post-chemotherapy metastasis mechanism will help the development of new therapeutic strategies to ameliorate chemotherapy-induced cancer progression. In this study, we deciphered the role of HMGB1 in the regulation of TLR4-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) process on doxorubicin (Dox)-treated 4T1 breast cancer cells. Berberine (Ber), a clinically approved alkaloid has been demonstrated as an HMGB1-TLR4 axis regulator to Dox-exacerbated breast cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Hypothesizing that combination of Dox and Ber would be beneficial for breast cancer chemotherapy, we engineered self-assembled nanodrug (DBNP) consisting of Dox and Ber without the aid of additional carriers. After cloaking with 4T1 cell membranes, DBNP@CM exhibited higher accumulation at tumor sites and prolonged blood circulation time in 4T1 orthotopic tumor-bearing mice than DBNP. Importantly, DBNP@CM not only effectively inhibited tumor growth with fewer side effects, but also remarkably suppressed pulmonary metastasis via blocking HMGB1-TLR4 axis. Together, our results have provided a promising combination strategy to dampen chemotherapy-exacerbated breast cancer metastasis and shed light on the development of biomimetic nanodrug for efficient and safe breast cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yawei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yong Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Dan Shao
- Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Madi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jianati Dawulieti
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hanze Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Lianzhi Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Clinical Laboratory, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yue Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Wen Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Kan He
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jinzhi Du
- Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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9
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Zhao Y, Yang X, Zhao J, Gao M, Zhang M, Shi T, Zhang F, Zheng X, Pan Y, Shao D, Li J, He K, Chen L. Berberine inhibits chemotherapy-exacerbated ovarian cancer stem cell-like characteristics and metastasis through GLI1. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173887. [PMID: 33482182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable clinical response in ovarian cancer therapy, the distinctively high metastasis rate is still a barrier to achieve satisfying prognosis. Our study aimed to decipher the role of berberine in inhibiting chemotherapy-exacerbated ovarian cancer metastasis. We found that chemotherapy exacerbated the migration and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics through transcriptional factor GLI1, which regulated the pluripotency-associated gene BMI1 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers Vimentin and Snail. Berberine could not only down-regulate CSC-like characteristics but also reverse EMT and migration through inhibiting chemotherapy-activated GLI1/BMI1 signaling pathway. Together, our study revealed the pivotal role of berberine in overcoming chemotherapy-exacerbated ovarian cancer metastasis, thereby provided a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent in combination with chemotherapeutics to prevent metastasis during ovarian cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Mohan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongfei Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Shao
- Institutes of Life Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Kan He
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China; School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China.
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